Singapore Remembers the Fallen Heroes of the Second World War at Changi Museum
The City of Lions, or Singapore, is a country large enough only to occupy the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
Yet it is one of the world's foremost economic powers and boasts the most advanced military in East Asia.
Ever one of the world's champion trading hubs, it seemed to lead a charmed life, flourishing both under British colonization and post-independence alike.
One of the only three city-states still in existence, Singapore has proved it more than equal to marching among the ranks of giants as a world power.
Yet the present-day glamour and prosperity of the nation masks war wounds of recent history whose scars still carry the ghosts of pain.
The devastation of the Second World War was as unsparing of Singapore as it was the rest of the world; the defeat of the British forces in Singapore at the hands of Japanese was one which Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history.
" The invasion of Malaya by the Japanese Army was brought to a head at the Battle of Singapore, where the British were forced to surrender the fortress on 15 February 1942, after six days of fighting.
The British Naval Base was destroyed rather than let fall into Japanese control.
All surviving officers, women and children were interned by the Japanese as prisoners of war, where they remained for three years.
The ensuing days heralded the Sook Ching Massacre; the indiscriminate killing of the city's Chinese citizens by the Japanese Army.
The Changi Museum is built to honor the memory of the soldiers who fell defending the city-state and the prisoners of war who perished in internment.
The current museum was opened in 2001, marking the 59th Anniversary of the fall of Singapore.
It replaced the original Museum which was housed in the Old Changi Prison Chapel.
The Museum aims to document accounts of the Japanese occupation and bring closure to sorrowing families who lost their loved ones here.
It also serves as an education and resource centre for scholars and the nation's youth, so that the lessons learned from this dark history may not be forgotten.
The Museum houses a collection of paintings and memorabilia donated by former POW's and their families.
The collection of artwork created by former POW William Haxworth depicting the daily life and sights of interns is of special interest, most of which were donated to the National Archive of Singapore by his wife.
The watercolor paintings of POW Mary Angela Bateman also provide insights into the experiences of the thousands of women and children interned at Changi Prison.
This is a place that wears the nation's battle scars with pride and adorns itself in tales of heroic deeds and inspirational anecdotes of those who would otherwise become a forgotten footnote in Singapore's history.
Visitors wishing to enhance their travel experience by gaining a deeper understanding of the country should choose among Singapore hotels providing best access to places such as the Changi Museum.
Visit SingaporeHotelsEye.
com to find hotels in Singapore within proximity to similar must-see venues and offering great deals and packages.
Yet it is one of the world's foremost economic powers and boasts the most advanced military in East Asia.
Ever one of the world's champion trading hubs, it seemed to lead a charmed life, flourishing both under British colonization and post-independence alike.
One of the only three city-states still in existence, Singapore has proved it more than equal to marching among the ranks of giants as a world power.
Yet the present-day glamour and prosperity of the nation masks war wounds of recent history whose scars still carry the ghosts of pain.
The devastation of the Second World War was as unsparing of Singapore as it was the rest of the world; the defeat of the British forces in Singapore at the hands of Japanese was one which Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history.
" The invasion of Malaya by the Japanese Army was brought to a head at the Battle of Singapore, where the British were forced to surrender the fortress on 15 February 1942, after six days of fighting.
The British Naval Base was destroyed rather than let fall into Japanese control.
All surviving officers, women and children were interned by the Japanese as prisoners of war, where they remained for three years.
The ensuing days heralded the Sook Ching Massacre; the indiscriminate killing of the city's Chinese citizens by the Japanese Army.
The Changi Museum is built to honor the memory of the soldiers who fell defending the city-state and the prisoners of war who perished in internment.
The current museum was opened in 2001, marking the 59th Anniversary of the fall of Singapore.
It replaced the original Museum which was housed in the Old Changi Prison Chapel.
The Museum aims to document accounts of the Japanese occupation and bring closure to sorrowing families who lost their loved ones here.
It also serves as an education and resource centre for scholars and the nation's youth, so that the lessons learned from this dark history may not be forgotten.
The Museum houses a collection of paintings and memorabilia donated by former POW's and their families.
The collection of artwork created by former POW William Haxworth depicting the daily life and sights of interns is of special interest, most of which were donated to the National Archive of Singapore by his wife.
The watercolor paintings of POW Mary Angela Bateman also provide insights into the experiences of the thousands of women and children interned at Changi Prison.
This is a place that wears the nation's battle scars with pride and adorns itself in tales of heroic deeds and inspirational anecdotes of those who would otherwise become a forgotten footnote in Singapore's history.
Visitors wishing to enhance their travel experience by gaining a deeper understanding of the country should choose among Singapore hotels providing best access to places such as the Changi Museum.
Visit SingaporeHotelsEye.
com to find hotels in Singapore within proximity to similar must-see venues and offering great deals and packages.
Source...